You-Won’t-Believe-Who’s-Really-Behind-Fake-Trumprussia-Ties-Claim Sen. John McCain, the sworn enemy of the President-Elect, admitted Wednesday that he was the one who passed along the scurrilous and fabricated dossier of claims that there was a Russian blackmail plot of Donald Trump. The Arizona lawmaker issued a public statement amid mounting questions over his role in the affair – and how anybody could publish a document so riddled with errors and unverified claims. “Late last year, I received sensitive information that has since been made public,” he said, the Daily Mail is reporting. “Upon examination of the contents, and unable to make a judgment about their accuracy, I delivered the information to the Director of the FBI. That has been the extent of my contact with the FBI or any other government agency regarding this issue.”That’s his official story, but Watergate reporter Carl Bernstein, said there’s much more to it than that…

Attorney General Mark Brnovich has hired GOP operative Stephen Shadegg as the new director of outreach for the AG’s Office. According to the Yellow Sheet, Shadegg comes to the AG via Sen John McCain’s campaign, where he spent 2016 as the political director for the senator’s re-election bid. Briefs remember Shadegg as a cute little toddler who sometimes visited his father John Shadegg, who was an assistant AG for former AG Bob Corbin before John was elected to the US House. Stephen’s grandfather, also named Stephen, was well known in Republican circles as a campaign manager/confidant/adviser to former Sen Barry Goldwater.

When Asked, “Will there be paper ballots for those who do not have cell phones or laptops at the Jan 14 Mandatory county meetin?”, Maricopa County Republican Committee Chairman Tyler Bowyer assured Briefs that “there will be additional devices for those who do not (have a phone or laptop with them at the meeting) …which is probably less than 1 percent of all PCs.” Briefs doesn’t know where the 1 percent comes from, but we sure recall the confusion, particularly among the more senior PCs, in attendance at the AZGOP meeting when phone voting was sprung on them for electing Arizona’s NRC Man and Woman representatives, and the Cruz vs Trump voting fiasco that’s still the talk of the town.

Late Night Report In from last night’s Chandler area Candidate Forum attended by roughly 300 people reveals that AZGOP Chairman candidate Jim O’Connor challenged his two opponents – Frank Thorwald and Jonathan Lines, as well as Maricopa County Republican Chairman candidates Tristan Manos and Chris Herring, along with the audience to contact AZGOP Chairman Robert Graham and demand that Graham withdraw his threats not to credential LD23’s elected State Committeemen at the Jan 28 AZGOP Statutory meeting. Newly elected LD23 officers and Graham’s AZGOP attorney have been meeting/negotiating the issue for several days. See 1-11-17-briefs for LD23 Chairman Nancy Ordowski’s timeline on the LD23/Robert Graham Saga.

John McCain’s Latest Trump Smear …"Thanks a lot, Arizona voters, for sending this perverted, old, mentally ill piece of human garbage back to the U.S. sent for the umpteenth time. Are you all as perverted, demented, and sick as he is?Arizona is one of eighteen states that allows the recall of a U.S. senator. Recall the old fool!" – Lew Rockwell

Actor, Producer, Writer, director and Maricopa County Sheriff's Posse member Steven Seagal is a confirmed speaker for “ Night To Honor Sheriff Joe Arpaio And His Wife Ava” scheduled at 6 pm., Fri., Jan 13 at the Fountain Hills Community Center Ballroom (13001 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268). Price: $50 per Ticket (all proceeds after costs are donated to Extended Hands Food Bank of Fountain Hills). This is not a political event but a tribute to a man and his wife for their services since1992. All sales are final. No refunds. RSVP: http://ehfb.org/honorsheriffjoe

Amanda Rusing replaced Courtney McKinstry as legislative affairs director, while Justin Marino joined the legislative affairs team at the AG’s office.

Tempe Republican Women will meet with Jennifer Reynolds from AZ School Choice at 6:30 pm., Mon., Jan 23 at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, Arizona 85282. They will be handing out free National School Choice swag (scarves and posters.) At the end of the meeting, we will gather for a group picture. RSVP TempeRepublicanWomen/events Contact Chairman Jessica Merrow - merrowjessica@gmail.com

A School Choice Rally is scheduled between noon and 1:30 pm., Thurs., Jan 26 at the Capitol Building, 1700 W Washington St in Phoenix. Participants are asked to bring your yellow scarves. Hosted by National School Choice Week.

LD23 PC Boe James: I object to Lynn Breyer's comments in the 1-9-17/1-11-17 Briefs. I am not part of the alleged fiasco with Robert Graham to disqualify Jim O’Connor from running for AZGOP Chairman. I did not communicate with Chairman Graham before receiving his letter (mentioned by Nancy Ordowki yesterday) to PCs in District 23. Lynne is totally wrong when she insinuates that I was/am involved in crafting something to disqualify Jim O’Connor. I believe he is qualified to run for county or state party office.

Former LD22 Chairman Eric Morgan: I wanted to take a brief moment to thank you all for the support you've shown me over my years as chairman of LD22. It was one of the most rewarding periods of my life. I am especially proud of the things you all have accomplished; a very impactful demonstration of the great things we everyday Americans can accomplish and demonstrating to the country (yes the country) that America really is a nation of The People. Many of you have asked what's next for me. First, I'd like to pat all of us on the back again, I think we've made a great choice for our district leadership team and I'm quite sure they will lead us to further LD22 greatness. In no small part, due to the wonderful support I've gotten from you all, I've decided to stay in the leadership game by running for AZGOP State Treasurer in January. I hope you all know that my overarching priority in district leadership has always been to do what I could to make the PC as relevant as possible and I intend to take that attitude to the state executive committee. I hope I've earned your support and if you're an elected State Committeeman I ask you for your vote on January 28th. I remain at your service.

LD 27 Unanimously Voted To Oppose the National Popular Vote Compact at the January 10, 2017 regular business meeting.

Resolution Opposing National Popular Vote Compact

· Whereas, the Constitutional method of electing the President of the United States through the Electoral College was the method deemed best by the founding fathers of the United States of America for ensuring state sovereignty because all states, both large and small, are included in the presidential election process; and,

· Whereas, the Constitution preserves the balance of power and authority between the federal and state governments through the mechanism of the Electoral College; and,

· Whereas, the Electoral College has been tested and proven itself over 56 presidential elections as the method to best preserve our representative republican form of government, resulting in the election of a President by a majority of electoral votes not a mere plurality; and,

· Whereas, the National Popular Vote Compact if successfully implemented would eviscerate the constitutional Electoral College process of electing the President of the United States; and,

· Whereas, it is the moral and legal conviction that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land amendable only by means specified within Article V of the Constitution; and,

· Whereas, the Constitution is the document that originated our constitutional republic which created the “rule of law”, which protects our freedoms, individual liberties, and our right to make individual choices. Those protections would be lost forever as this National Popular Vote Compact would move us from a republic into a pure democracy subjecting us to majoritarian rule; and,

· Whereas, the Arizona State Legislature does not have the moral or legal authority to “reassign” the outcome of the vote of the citizens of Arizona across state borders without the consent of the governed.

· Therefore be it Resolved, that the Legislative District 27 Republican Committee opposes this attempt to undermine the U. S. Constitution and the Electoral College by way of the National Popular Vote Compact; and,

· Further be it Resolved, that the Legislative District 27 Republican Committee does fully endorse retaining the constitutionally approved and time-tested Electoral College method of awarding electoral votes to candidates to win the office of the President of the United States of America;

· And be it further Resolved, the Legislative District 27 Republican Committee strongly encourages our Arizona members of the State House and Senate to reject the National Popular Vote Compact and to neither sponsor nor vote in favor of such legislation should it be proposed.

ATTN State Committeemen: Watch the US mail for delivery of your Call Letter for the Jan 28 AZGOP Statutory meeting at theChurch of the Nations, 6225 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ 85012.

Briefs Invites All Candidates running for AZGOP and Maricopa County Republican Committee offices, during the January 2017 Mandatory meetings, to submit their candidate announcement or a resume for posting to help PCs get acquainted with the candidates they will vote on. 300 word limit per candidate.

Briefs Sent MCRC Chairman Candidates identical questions so you can get to acquainted with both candidates. Candidates are limited to 300 words for their response. Question #7: Share five ways you will mend the division within Maricopa County Republican Party caused by PC cleansing?

TRISTAN MANOS: If anyone thinks he/she possesses all the info on this subject matter (especially as personal and controversial as it may be for some), think again. Likewise, if anyone thinks he/she possesses all the answers on this subject matter, think again, also. I’ve got ideas. You’ve got ideas. Everyone's got ideas. Let’s see everyone’s ideas and work together to resolve this matter for the overall good of the MCRC and the Republican Party. One thing making all this challenging to resolve is there’s some on one side (say, more conservative Republicans), who’d like the Republican Party to be run in an overall more conservative manner, and there’s some on the other side (say, more moderate Republicans) who’d like it run in a more moderate manner. What’s that say about the Republican Party? We Republicans are here to be the best we can be to make the Republican Party the best it can be, attracting more and more Americans to "Join the Party." It's like there’s basically two (or more) sub-parties within the Party. Let's all remember "We The Republicans" are here to win, win, and win again, beating Democrats. 5 ideas: 1) Ask for everyone’s input (ideas), just like the good old “Suggestion Box.” 2) Brainstorm over the ideas. 3) Rank the ideas, from highest priority to lowest, highest being the overall easiest, most logical ways to resolve the matter, getting as close as possible to a win-win-win for all PCs. 4) Let's see LD, County, and the State Party Chair working together. 5) Bring the Party Platform into the mix, encouraging people to read it (and understand it), appreciating it for the important guide it is and what it represents. Also important is getting "Back to Basics" on how we recruit PCs in the first place.

CHRIS HERRING: The divide between the AZGOP and the county is one of the most damaging things I've seen for the party in Maricopa County. I can attest that there are a large number of former PCs who stopped being PCs because they were tired of being dragged into these fights. As chairman healing this would be a top priority. With the possibility of being elected chair I've already started working on this. I've met with all three candidates for AZGOP to discuss what I'd like to see changed. Each has said they are committed to seeing the divide healed. So the first thing I've already done is to extend the olive branch. Second, I'd personally reach out to those PCs that have been pushed aside or resigned. They should be brought back with open arms and encouraged to return. Third, I'd ask the new AZGOP chairman to hold a regular meeting, open to all PCs, specifically for the purpose of addressing the concerns of PCs. No agenda from the chair, just the things the PCs want to discuss. Fourth, there needs to be a place for transparent dialogue. I’d propose a space on the MCRC website for a message board. The questions, suggestions, complaints, etc would be visible to everyone, as would be the response given and who responded. This will help us act less on rumors and gossip and make sure everyone can see what is going on. Finally, I'd ensure the minutes of the AZGOP exec comm meetings and the county EGC meetings are sent to all PCs who request it. I'll provide a sign up link to receive via email. That way all PCs have first-hand access to the actions of the leadership. No closed door meetings or having to ask for info on what takes place at the meetings.

CHRIS HERRING: #5 How many PCs have you personally recruited and signed up the past two years? - I've recruited dozens of PCs. Many of them outside of my home district. Since I run a county wide Republican group I host events all across the county and regularly find people willing to be a PC. I get them in contact with their LD chairmen, provide them their LD contact info, or provide them links to websites etc. Working with some of the presidential campaigns I would recruit from volunteer lists. Several newly elected PCs this year came simply from cold calling names on a volunteer list after the primary was over.

CHRIS HERRING: #6 How many Republican voters have your personally registered the past two years? - As to registering voters have register countless voters. We've hosted block parties in the district that are often attended by several dozen neighbors. We've used these to register voters and sign up PCs.

Briefs Sent Identical Questions to the three AZGOP Chairman candidates. Their answers will be posted every day, in the order in which they came in, until the Jan 28 Mandatory Meeting election. Question #10: Do You Think It Is Time For Some "New Blood" In The AZ US Senate? Yes Or No - If Yes, What Action Will You Take To Encourage Or Support Same?

JIM O’CONNOR : Time for “new blood” in the US Senate representing Arizona? As future Chairman of our Republican State Party, it is critically important for all to understand that the job of the role I will be taking on is that of a referee or umpire in a sporting contest. The job of the Chairman is to stay neutral in ALL primary Republican contests. That test of my ability to do just that was met in the recent Trump/Cruz contest. Please interview any of my LD 23 Precinct Committeemen and ask them who they believe I supported. My Cruz friends will tell you for sure I was a Trump supporter, while every Trump friend in my district will say I was a Cruz guy. That confirmed to me that I passed the test of keeping it balanced and doing the job I offered to do. What I will guarantee every candidate is that under my leadership they will be respected and treated equally by the state party. You really would not want it any other way. As for “new blood” entering Republican races for office throughout our State, I am excited and hopeful that there will be no end to sharp young and old patriots to step forward and offer themselves to serve in elected office. There is much the state party can do and certain things it cannot do for candidates. As Chairman I intent to make that very clear to all Candidates’ and PCs. Given the recent flurry of misinformation associated with those limitations but nonetheless realities, I am obliged to provide clarity to one and all. That extends to those County & District Chairman scurrying to determine the definition of “mail” regarding call to meeting notices. I herein commit to amending state party bylaws to clarify and facilitate the language so that this arguably vague misinterpretation no longer inconveniences the business of our Republican party for the advantage of all of us.

FRANK THORWALD: The state bylaws specifically define what the chairman can and cannot do. Whether I think new blood in the Arizona Senate is needed or not, is not for the chairman to decide. That is decided by the voters in the primaries and the state party cannot support anyone in the primaries unless there is no other Republican running against them. I believe we need to recruit candidates to run for offices like school boards, city councils.

JONATHAN LINES: Unlike at least one of my opponents, I do not meddle in Republican primary elections. As such, I will respectfully not answer any questions that may indicate a preference in an upcoming GOP primary. I promise you this: as chairman, I will make sure that whoever our nominee may be for the United States Senate will win the general election, with the complete support of the Arizona Republican Party.

The Mandatory Meeting for all Maricopa County Republican Precinct Committeemen will be held on Sat, Jan 14, 2017 at the El Zaribah Shriner’s Auditorium, 552 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85008. Credentialing opens at 9 am and closes at 10:30am.

The AZGOP Mandatory Meeting for all Arizona Republican State Committeemen is scheduled for Sat., Jan 28, 2017at theChurch of the Nations at 6225 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85012.

Applicants Are Sought for two vacancies on Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals, created by the retirement of Judge Patricia A. Orozco and the appointment of Judge Andrew W. Gould to the Arizona Supreme Court. The new judicial application form can be downloaded at the Judicial Department website: www.azcourts.gov/jnc . Applications are also available at the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, (602) 452-3311, or tjnc@courts.az.gov . Applicants must be at least 30 years of age, of good moral character, and admitted to the practice of law in Arizona, as well as a resident of Arizona, for the past five years. To be eligible, an applicant must also have resided in one of the following counties for the past three years: Apache, Coconino, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Yavapai or Yuma. The applications and attachments must be submitted 3 pm., Jan13 to the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ, 85007. The new judges will be paid $152,250 annually .

The Fountain Hills Republican Club Nominating Committee, consisting of Chairman Tait Elkie, Chris Brant and Jay Schlum, is seeking volunteers to serve in the elected officer positions for 2017-18. The open positions include President, 1st Vice President (Program Chair), 2nd Vice President (Membership Chair), 3rd Vice President (Events Chair), Secretary, and Treasurer. Those interested in serving or nominating someone should contact Tait Tait@FountainHillsLawFirm.com. Only paid members in attendance can vote on the new officers. No proxies. Mail dues to FH Republican Club, P.O. Box 17814, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269-7814. Membership application available for download at http://fhrepublicanclub.org/MembershipApplication.pdf.

The Arizona Republican Assembly (AzRA) is hosting the Thurs., Jan 12 “PC Day at the Capitol.”Lunch will be provided on the lawn in front of the Senate Building from 10am -2pm.

The ASU College Republicans will meet at 6:30 pm., Thur., Jan 12 at BAC324 to discuss their acitivities for the spring semester, reflect on last semester and activism. RSVP: facebook.com/events

JAN 14

The Maricopa County Republican Statutory Meeting is scheduled Jan 14, 2017 at the El Zaribah Shriner’s Auditorium, 552 N. 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, not the Polly Rosenbaum Building, as originally announced. Contrary to reports, the Shriner’s auditorium has NOT been renamed the Polly Rosenbaum Building. They are located on the opposite sides of metropolitan Phoenix, so be sure you are heading for the Shriner’s Auditorium. You don’t want to arrive late for credentials registration.

LD22 will not conduct a regular meeting in January. Instead, they will all convene at the Maricopa Statutory Meeting on Sat, Jan 14, 2017 at the El Zaribah Shrine at 552 N. 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, according to Rae Chornenky, LD22 Chairwoman:

JAN 17

The Surprise Tea Party Patriots will meet at 6:30 pm, Tues., Jan 17 in the Palo Verde Rm of the Sun City West Foundation Plaza, 14465 WRH Johnson Blvd in Sun City. AZGOP Chairman candidate Jim O’Connor is scheduled to speak. Raffle prizes include Trump toasting glasses and a conservative based book. The group meets the first and third Tuesday of the month.

The Flagstaff Republican Women is hosting a January Inauguration Party Luncheon/celebration between 11:30 am-1 pm., Thurs., Jan 19 at the Doubletree Hotel, 1175 W Route 66 in Flagstaff to kick off “The Year of the Elephant Stampede”. Prizes for the most patriotically dressed. Wear red, white and blue. Raffle prizes include cash, jewelry, elephants and surprise goodies to inaugural souvenirs. RSVP deadline is Sun., Jan 15 to guarantee a seat. $17 members, $20 non-members, $5 non-lunch attendees. RSVP to frwrsvp@gmail.com or Joan Harris 298-226-0502.

The Colorado River Tea Party meets the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Community Christian Church, 6480 E Hwy95 in Yuma. The next meeting is at 6 pm., Thurs., Jan 19 with Sheriff Leon Wilmot. Contact: Chairman Sally Kizer 928-210-1219 coloradoriverteaparty@yahoo.com

CONGRESSIONAL STATEMENTS

300 word limit policy. If statements exceed the limit, it will be edited

Congressman Paul Gosar: Recently, President Obama took unilateral action and issued a Presidential Proclamation under the outdated 1906 Antiquities Act, locking-up 1.35 million acres of land in southeastern Utah through designation of the new Bears Ears National Monument and locking-up 300,000 acres of land in Clark County, Nevada through designation of the new Gold Butte National Monument. Once again, President Obama has put the needs of special-interest groups like the Sierra Club, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Center for Western Priorities ahead of the needs of hard-working Americans. No one man should be able to unilaterally lock-up millions of acres with the stroke of his pen, especially in the face of overwhelming local opposition.An overzealous, unaccountable bureaucracy operating in overdrive during its waning days is no way to govern. As Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I will work with the Trump Administration to undo these land grabs and reform the outdated Antiquities Act in order to prevent this type of abuse from ever occurring again.